10.5.2008

A long, miserable night has taught us a very valuable lesson regarding taking numerous medications on an empty stomach. Dad ate a late lunch yesterday afternoon and was not hungry again before going to Priesthood; Dad usually takes his evening medications with dinner and his anti-nausea and chemo just before going to bed (they have to be taken on an empty stomach). His routine was broken up last night so he took all of his medications just before retiring for the evening, bad idea, he has mentioned several times today "I won't do that again".

Dad and the girls enjoyed french toast for breakfast , I arrived just in time to settle around another cozy fire to enjoy General Conference.


Marty and Teri prepared to drive back to Idaho following the morning session of conference, our fun weekend with them had come to an end far too quickly. Teri fixed a yummy lunch of and then they were on their way home. We are so grateful for this cute family and their tasty food, fun conversation, laughter, hard work, and Marty's completion of mom and dad's "Soney Do" list, now hurry back!

Jeff, Steph, Tucker, and Peyton stopped by in between conference sessions and took dad for a short ride in Steph's new car. Mom was able to return home early this afternoon to enjoy part of the final session of conference with dad, Dave and I.

Matt, Michele and their family arrived early this evening keeping their tradition of bringing in dinner for mom and dad after a long weekend of General Conference service. Our parents enjoy and appreciate this generous and sweet ritual, thank you Michele.

We have been richly blessed this weekend as we have received hope, love, gratitude, and strength from our leaders. There were numerous moments when our family felt that the past two days had been planned and executed just for us, evidences of this being true are:

1-We were admonished to live life more simply, to focus on things necessary for spiritual survival; we realigned our priorities September 6, 2008.
2-We were encouraged to be good neighbors and friends; we know how important good neighbors and friends are in challenging times, we thank each of you for being so incredibly "good".
3- We were reminded of the sacred ordinance of the sacrament; our burdens seems lighter through the promises of the Atonement
4- We were told to show love and compassion to all; through this trial we are developing greater compassion and understanding of those around us.
5- We were reminded of the importance of hope;“The brighter the hope — the greater our faith. The stronger our hope — the purer our charity,” President Uchtdorf
Ouf father is a great example of hope, strength and charity.
6-We know that we are surrounded by ministering angels; "Indeed heaven never seems closer than when we see the love of God manifested in the kindness and devotion of people so good and so pure that ‘angelic’ is the only word that comes to mind.” Elder Holland
7-We were encouraged to make our prayers more meaningful; we are aware of each and every prayer offered in behalf of our family. We are humbled, we are grateful.
8-We were asked to strive for unity; we have witnessed family, friends, ward members, and loved ones unite in our father's fight against cancer
9-We were urged to laugh; we find ourselves engaging in laughter more each day and we appreciate those in our lives who provide the opportunities.
10-Most importantly, we were instructed to take things "day by day"; we are learning to treasure and appreciate each minute, each hour, of each and every day.; this is our one and only chance.